Before the kids hit the dirt in the NRG arena, they receive a pep talk and training from members of the calf scramble committee.

On Tuesday, they also got some words of wisdom from a special guest: former track and field athlete Carol Lewis, 1983 World Championship bronze medalist and a four-time U.S. Champion.

Although the Alabama native attended the University of Houston, Lewis told Chron.com this was her first time to attend RodeoHouston.

Her brother, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, also spoke to the calf scramble group on opening night. He enjoyed it so much that he encouraged his sister to do the same, she said.

"All of the things that are encompassed in this calf scramble, including putting together a business plan and keeping track of your calf for an entire year, are the same types of things you're going to do when you get of college and enter the business world," she told the kids.

"You're getting an opportunity to learn about this early - and in a fun way."

Since the program's inception in 1942, approximately $13.5 million in certificates and awards has been distributed to more than 21,000 students.

Click through the photos above to check out scenes from the RodeoHouston calf scramble.